Song of the Day: King Khan & the Shrines – Outta Harm’s Way

Every Monday through Friday, we deliver a different song as part our Song of the Day podcast subscription. This podcast features exclusive KEXP in-studio performances, unreleased songs, and recordings from independent artists that our DJs think you should hear. Today’s featured selection, chosen by Midday Show host Cheryl Waters, is “Outta Harm’s Way” by King Khan & the Shrines from the 2008 album The Supreme Genius of King Khan & the Shrines on Vice.

Having the audacity of proclaiming yourself, your band, and your album as the work of a “Supreme Genius” would usually turn away potential fans due to the pronounced ego. But this is America and within the borders of this great nation, carrying yourself with a modicum of self-assurance and know-how can carry you far. King Khan — certainly self-assured — may at first come across as an egotistical cock rocker but that’s hardly the case. It’s a lot of talent mixed with a lot of classic swagger: a brand of strut forged in the Mississippi Delta, mined from Chuck Berry, cherry-picked from Mick Jagger’s tattered jeans, and amalgamated into pop. Considering The Shrines’ ability to pack small, impactful punches within to-the-point melodies, it’s no wonder thousands are flocking to Khan’s throwback sound. “Outta Harm’s Way,” like most of The Supreme Genius of King Khan & the Shrines, exposes the quick, dirty, and sexy underbelly of rock and roll. It oozes The Stooges; it revels in The Zombies; it bows to T. Rex. If that ain’t rock and roll, I don’t want to know what is.

King Khan & the Shrines are taking a break from the road, but you can keep your libido in check by constantly checking out the band’s MySpace page for updates on new dates, new songs, or a new album. In the meantime, enjoy the smooth grooves of “Why Don’t You Lie”:

One Comment

I first heard this song on KEXP and was immediately hooked. I was surprised to find it was something new – I’d figured it was a track from the late 60s or early 70s, by some fantastic but obscure band. Well-crafted music is pretty timeless.